NEW LAW DOUBLES CHARTER SCHOOLS IN ILLINOIS

A new bill, that doubles the number of charter schools in Illinois, was recently signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn. The law increases the number of schools from 60 to 120. In Chicago, the number of schools increases from 30 to 70 and in the rest of the state, from 30 to 45. The law also requires all existing charter schools to have at least 75% of all teachers certified under the Illinois School Code by the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year. The law also establishes the "Independent Charter School Authorizer Task Force" which will study the viability of an independent charter school authorizing organization, and increases academic and financial accountability of charter schools.

GREENVILLE AMVET WINS STATE WIDE RECOGNITION

 A Greenville Amvet was recently recognized as the Illinois AMVETS Member of the Year.  WGEL spoke with Tony Koonce about the award recipient, Sheryl Sawyer of Greenville. Koonce said the Post AMVET of the Year has three levels, local, state and national. Sheryl won the State Post Amvet of the Year award. The State Commander came to their meeting last week and presented the award to Sheryl. Koonce added, "We all feel great about it." 

OBITUARIES

VIDA BROOKS

Vida Brooks, age 88, of Greenville, passed away Saturday, August 1st at Fair Oaks Nursing Home. Funeral services for 88 year-old Vida Brooks will be Thursday, at 11:00 a.m. at Young Funeral Home in Greenville. Burial will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home . Memorial contributions are suggested to Bond County Hospice or the Greenville First Presbyterian Church.

JEANNE E. WEISS     

Jeanne E. Weiss, age 73, of Highland, passed away Saturday, August 1 at St. Luke's Hospital West in St. Louis.  A funeral Mass for 73 year-old Jeanne Weiss will be Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Church.  Burial will be at a later date.  Friends may call Tuesday, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Meridith Funeral Home in Highland.  Memorials are suggested to St. Paul Church or America Legion Baseball.